|
|
(For High School Students)
Viva La Cultura Española!
Language Immersion, Cultural Exchange &
Service Program
Session One: June 27th thru July 23th (27 days)
Size of group: 16-18 students
Ages: 15 to 17
Tuition: $5,295 (plus RT airfare, group flight from Newark)
Spain allures the traveler with its combination of old world charm and vibrant peoples. Join us on a journey through Spain that most tourists will never see. In addition to experiencing the ancient sites and modern cities of this diverse country, you will be exposed to a beautiful and untainted Spain. In the villages where we will stay, people lead family-oriented lives and strolling through the plaza at night is a local pastime. Our Spanish program is a tapestry of culture, language immersion, and community service throughout this diverse and enchanting country.
Service Projects*
- Build with adobe at an Ecological Center
- Work in a daycare center for children
- Restore a historical building
- Assist at a youth center and home for the elderly
Language Immersion*
- Communicate with bilingual leaders (they’ll facilitate fun activities and conversation for all levels!)
- Experience a homestay with Spanish families
- Play games and interact with Spanish youth
Adventure and Cultural Activities*
- Visit the cultural sights of Madrid, Barcelona, Segovia and the medieval walled city of Ávila
- Swim and hang out with Spanish youth at the natural pools in the Gredos Mountains
- Participate with locals in town festivals
- Enjoy a traditional flamenco show in Barcelona
- Sea-kayak off the beaches of the Costa Brava
*Please note that some of the projects and activities will change from year to year. A final itinerary will be printed prior to each trip.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Madrid (3 days) – We start our adventures in Madrid, the capital of Spain. Our hostel is right off the Puerta del Sol and gives us easy access to the cosmopolitan inner city and the palaces of another era. During our stay we’ll visit the world-renowned Prado Museum, stroll through the Plaza Mayor and Retiro Park, and take in an optional bullfight.
Amayuelas: A Model Community of Sustainable Living (4 days) – From Madrid we travel to the small town of Amayuelas de Abajo located just north of Palencia. Amayuelas is a model community for sustainable living and provides an inspiring setting for many interesting projects during our stay. Our students break into small groups and work with Spanish community members on various tasks such as making adobe bricks for construction, building a fence or wall for livestock, making bread or working in the green-house. Naturally, it is not all work and no play; in the late afternoons and evenings there will be time for exploration and activities, as well as a soccer game and “Spanish Olympics” with the locals.
Sierra de Gredos Homestay (14 days) – After Amayuelas our group travels to a community just south of the Gredos Mountains (a few hours west of Madrid) where families are eager to meet and welcome you into their homes. For the next two weeks you’ll be able to practice your Spanish (and sign language!) with your homestay family. Your confidence and language skills will improve with the help of a couple hours of Spanish classes focused on supporting and enhancing your language learning and interactions with your family. We’ll spend most weekdays working on community renovation projects such as sanding, painting, and fixing up a youth center or historical building. During several afternoons you’ll enjoy swimming with local Spanish youth in the natural pools formed by water from the nearby mountains. On weekends, you will enjoy local activities and excursions with your homestay family. Our group will also take day trips to the medieval city of Talavera de la Reina and Segovia. The farewell dinner and community celebration will bring to a close an unforgettable two weeks.
Barcelona, Sea-Kayaking on the Costa Brava, and Travel Home (6 days) – Next, our group travels to Barcelona! Prepare yourself for the fascinating buildings designed by architect Antoni Gaudí, including the Sagrada Familia cathedral which is still under construction. We’ll combine visits to the monuments and museums of this fantastic city with time to hang out and enjoy the beach. Enjoy a day trip spent sea-kayaking and basking in the sun on the spectacular beaches of the Costa Brava located north of Barcelona. A final celebratory flamenco show and dinner of paella will provide the backdrop as we exchange laughter and stories from the past month. Make sure you save some Euros for last minute souvenir shopping on Las Ramblas! Although you are sad to be leaving, you know that Spain will be asking you to return in your mind’s eye for many years to come.
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
|
 "Click to enlarge Spain map.")